Search Results for: elizabeth n harris

Elizabeth N. Harris

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written lots of books over the years but never had the courage basically, to publish them. So I took the step in 2019 to publish my first book and now I’m off and running! My first book came out December 2019 and my next comes out the 1st of February. Then I have two more planned for the 1st of April and the 1st of June! After that, it’s a case of watch this space! But I’ve written so many it’s a pleasure to see them being published.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is Oakwood Manor. I’ve toyed with what happens when someone dies before their time. This book is about Daniel Harrington who was murdered in 1715. He has chased every heir from his home Oakwood Manor and doesn’t intend to share it. Then Sabine comes along and upsets his well-ordered life. She’s as stubborn as he is and just as able to play pranks on him as he does her. The smurf scene is inspired! The questions that arise are many, do they solve his death? What happened to his friends? Where is his beloved sister?

Do they solve them or not? You’ll have to read to find out!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to have a bottle of diet cherry/raspberry Pepsi to my right. I also need to snuggle up under a quilt when I write, even in the summer, I use a blanket. It’s good I use an oversized armchair to write from!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many authors to name, Raymond Feist, Terry Brookes, Terry Goodkind, Kristen Ashley, Anne Rice, HY Hanna, Karen Marie Moning, Enid Blyton, Jane Austin, the list could go on for ages. I adore anything by these authors. The box isn’t big enough to get all the authors and books down I love!

What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing Oakwood Manor and The Rage of Reading. Then I’m starting the second book, called Courtenay House.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads and Amazon. Amazon Kindle Unlimited has really brought in readers for me. Also, my website is getting a lot of hits, which is nice.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Don’t let criticism get you down and believe in yourself. If all you can do is think of the story that bugs you until you get it down, then write it. Write for yourself not others. The song from the Greatest Showman, This is Me, inspired me to publish. I’m saying to the world, loud and proud, This is me! Seek help and advice if you need it, but dream it and then make that dream come true.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in yourself, because when everyone wants to tear you down, you’ll stand strong and shine your light.

My grandparents.

What are you reading now?
White Lillies by Samantha Christy

What’s next for you as a writer?
Concentrating on writing books and editing them and making sure I’m writing what I wish to be. Finishing off the Rage MC series and the Love Beyond Death series before moving on to my next. I have itchy fingers and so many stories to tell.

What is your favorite book of all time?
That’s a hard one, but there is a book I remember from my childhood called The Ordinary Princess. I loved that. I read it when I was about eight, and have never forgotten it.

Author Websites and Profiles
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Mary Elizabeth Jackson

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a wife, mother of three miracles, award winning children’s author of the Poohlicious series, and advocate for Special Needs and Disabilities. I co-founded and co-host Writers Corner Live TV and Special Needs TV Shows. I am also a ghostwriter/book collaborator. I did not become a published author till my late 40’s.
I have written ten books. My third one just released June 2, 2021 and my middle grade reader releases Sept. 2021. I have an adult book that will come out sometime next year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Poohlicious Oh the Wonder of Me is the third in my children’s series. My late in life surprise son inspired this series as well as children everywhere who need to know that how ever they came into this world is perfectly okay. Oh the Wonder of Me is about about the awkward, silly, quirkiness of childhood. Included are I AM statements to get children and families started using positive and empowering words.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
If writing in the car rider line, at practices, rehearsals, or while being surrounded by my children watching tv or playing instruments is unusual then my writing habits are definitely not normal. I squeeze every opportunity I can into writing when it presents itself. You can’t wait for the perfect moment or time. Creativity flows on it’s own time not ours. I also keep something to write on with me always or I use my voice recorder when an idea, thoughts, or words come. If you don’t write them down or record them when they come it never sounds the same trying to go back and remember.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
For children’s the greats like Dr. Seuss, Beatrix Potter, A.A.Milne, Judy Blume always bring inspiration. I love rhyming and creating new silly words. It always makes kids laugh and if they are laughing then they are learning. Nature and just being around kids always provide material for writing. I also love the great spiritual teachers we are blessed with.

What are you working on now?
I am getting my middle grade reader ready for a Sept. 2021 release and working on an empowering journal for kids whether they have disabilities or not. I have an adult motivational book to get ready for release next year and then I will start a script for a TV show.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my website, my social media sites, and my shows.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. If you want to write then write. Don’t wait for the right time and space just do it. And you are never too old to start a writing career.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up on yourself or what you want to do. Hard work will pay off and always follow your gut instinct.

What are you reading now?
77 Letters by Susan P. Hunter. This is her debut book and it’s a true story based on her mother’s experience in the Vietnam War.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing a script for a TV Show and working on my next series. I will take what I have written for adults and put it into a book for college kids graduating and going out into the real world. And of course continuing my children’s series.

What is your favorite book of all time?
I can not say exactly because I have read so many.
I read a series about the ancient masters once that was very powerful and I just got done with Energy Speaks by Lee Harris which was very enlightening. I am in love with the children’s series by Natalie Reeves Billings about the family members being monsters. She is very creative.

Author Websites and Profiles
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Kay Harris

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am former park ranger, current anthropology professor, and budding romance writer. I currently have two books that are self-published and a third that will be published in May 2016. All three are part of a romantic comedy series called “Love on Tour.” They follow three main characters and their friends and family. The main characters are Sean and Hank, best friends with a very intense bromance, and Dani (nicknamed Baby) a park ranger they met in a diner one night in the middle of absolutely nowhere Nevada. Each book is capable of being read as a stand-alone, but may lead to the deep desire to pick up the others!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is book 2 of the “Love on Tour” series. It is entitled “Play Me.” After writing the first book in the series, “Love on the Rocks,” I was inspired to give Hank a love story, too. Hank came to me and I wrote the book entirely from his perspective. Hank is a recovering alcoholic and his struggles with that are dealt with in the book. They come from real places. His heroine is a strong woman, not a pushover, who has decided to take her sex life in her own hands. I like that about her, but she’s also sheltered and stumbles a bit as she goes.
I also needed to have more Sean (Hank’s best friend and the hero in the first book) in my life, and so writing the second novel gave me that chance!
I am huge lover of music and it features prominently in these books. In fact, if you are really up on your musical knowledge you will notice that all the books from this series have titles that are actually the same as song titles from one musician.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to sit on my couch in the dimmest light possible to write. I have no idea why.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am big fan of Susan Elizabeth Phillips for romantic comedy. I love her stories. They are funny, sweet, and always make me cry – both actual tears and from laughing so hard. More traditionally, I love Shakespeare and Jane Austin. I can’t resist beautiful language.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the third book in the “Love on Tour” series. It is called “You got to Me.” The heroine is Baby’s sister. She’s feisty and fun.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still a new author so I’m trying a bunch of different things. I haven’t decided what works best yet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Selling books can be stressful. Write to relax.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s in one of my books. It was so good, I couldn’t help but share it. It was this:
I asked: What if I get my heart broken?
He said: It sure beats not getting your heart broken.
My friend was telling me that the risk was worth the reward. He was right, fifteen years later I am still with the man we were discussing that night.

What are you reading now?
Wait. I’ll check my kindle – I am reading a book called “Saved” by Lorhainne Eckhart.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will finish this series. Then I plan to get back to a book I wrote a few years ago. It needs to be re-written and edited. It is not funny, but sweet and poignant.

What is your favorite book of all time?
That’s easy – “To Kill a Mocking Bird.” I think that Atticus Finch is one of the best characters ever written.

Author Websites and Profiles
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Where Nightmares Come From: The Art of Storytelling in the Horror Genre (The Dream Weaver Books on Writing Fiction Book 1)

About Where Nightmares Come From: The Art of Storytelling in the Horror Genre (The Dream Weaver Books on Writing Fiction Book 1)

Book one in Crystal Lake Publishing’s The Dream Weaver series…
Where Nightmares Come From focuses on the art of storytelling in the Horror genre, taking an idea from conception to reality—whether you prefer short stories, novels, films, or comics.

Featuring in-depth articles and interviews by Joe R. Lansdale (Hap & Leonard series), Clive Barker (Books of Blood), John Connolly (Charlie Parker series), Ramsey Campbell, Stephen King (IT), Christopher Golden (Ararat), Charlaine Harris (Midnight, Texas), Jonathan Maberry (Joe Ledger series), Kevin J. Anderson (Tales of Dune), Craig Engler (Z Nation), and many more.

The full non-fiction anthology lineup includes:

Introduction by William F. Nolan
IT’S THE STORY TELLER by Joe R. Lansdale
A-Z OF HORROR of Clive Barker
WHY HORROR? by Mark Alan Miller
PIXELATED SHADOWS by Michael Paul Gonzalez
LIKE CURSES by Ray Garton
HOW TO GET YOUR SCARE ON by S.G. Browne
STORYTELLING TECHNIQUES by Richard Thomas
HORROR IS A STATE OF MIND by Tim Waggoner
BRINGING AN IDEA TO LIFE by Mercedes M. Yardley
THE PROCESS OF A TALE by Ramsey Campbell
GREAT HORROR IS SOMETHING ALIEN by Michael Bailey
A HORRIFICALLY HAPPY MEDIUM by Taylor Grant
INTERVIEW WITH JOHN CONNOLLY by Marie O’Regan
THE STORY OF A STORY by Mort Castle
WRITING ROUNDTABLE INTERVIEW with Christopher Golden, Kevin J. Anderson, and Silvia Moreno-Garcia
HOW I SPENT MY CHILDHOOD LOOKING FOR MONSTERS AND FOUND POETRY INSTEAD by Stephanie M. Wytovich
BITS AND PIECES INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN MABERRY by Eugene Johnson
THE REEL CREEPS by Lisa Morton
THE MONSTER SQUAD by Jess Landry
WHAT SCARES YOU by Marv Wolfman
PLAYING IN SOMEONE ELSE’S HAUNTED HOUSE by Elizabeth Massie
CREATING MAGIC FROM A BLANK PIECE OF PAPER: Del Howison interviews Tom Holland, Amber Benson, Fred Dekker, and Kevin Tenney
Z NATION: HOW SYFY’S HIT SHOW CAME TO LIFE by Craig Engler
LIFE IMITATING ART IMITATING LIFE: FILM AND ITS INFLUENCE ON REALITY by Jason V Brock
WHERE NIGHTMARES COME FROM by Paul Moore
STEPHEN KING AND RICHARD CHIZMAR DISCUSS COLLABORATING by Bev Vincent
CHARLAINE HARRIS DISCUSSES STORYTELLING by Eugene Johnson
WHAT NOW? by John Palisano

This collection is perfect for…

writers of all genres
authors looking for motivation and/or inspiration
authors seeking guidance
struggling authors searching for career advice
authors interested in improving their craft
writers interested in comics
authors looking into screenwriting and films
horror fans in general
those looking to better understand the different story formats
authors planning on infiltrating a different field in horror writing
artists trying to establish a name brand
authors looking to get published

Come listen to the legends…

Cover design by Luke Spooner. Edited by Joe Mynhardt & Eugene Johnson.

Brought to you by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.

Book categories:

Horror Anthologies
Horror non-fiction
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Thrillers
Authorship
Writing tips
Screenplays
On Writing
Publishing
Film
Comic books

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Shadow of The Conjurer by Steve Gierhart

About Shadow of The Conjurer by Steve Gierhart:

Huntsville, Alabama lies at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains. It is a city of historical contrasts, at once Antebellum South as well as a modern concourse of technical prowess, a research and development center for the U.S. Army and NASA.And here is where the McNallys call home.They are successful professionals with civilian careers on Redstone Arsenal, but their success belies a foundering marriage. Jared, an engineer, is emotionally distant. His wife, Melissa, an intellectual property lawyer, pursues an affair to fill the void left by her husband.Tipping the scales of their flimsy bond is a journal of a young man, Jacob Thompson. In the 1830s his father owned the plantation Fiery Hill, the original boundary of which includes fifty acres now marking the McNally’s home. Within the diary, Jacob professes a love for a slave girl named Nika, an African brought forcibly to America, not only with chains, but with a secret and dangerous legacy. That legacy is resurrected, and for unknown reasons targets the McNallys.As a result, Jacob and Nika’s past intersect with Jared and Melissa’s present as all paths lead through an enigmatic African legend borne in the tribal myths of the Mande.*************Shadow of The Conjurer owes its existence to many successful authors of the gothic tradition. Like Anne Rice’s Lestat in Interview with a Vampire, Shadow’s villains are both dangerous but exciting, certainly desirable, their characters so sympathetic to engage the reader’s hope for their atonement.Gothic female characters, on the other hand, have been tragic. Their vulnerability made them easy targets for male dominance, such as Elizabeth in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Lucy in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, or even the 20th Century character of Blanche Dubois in Tennessee William’s Streetcar Named Desire. It wasn’t until the sexual revolution of The Sixties that such characters evolved to a different level. Their power was reflected in cinema and flamed their strength in literature, sometimes becoming unhinged by repressed sexuality, such as Stephen King’s Carrie or Annie Wilkes of Misery.Now, these types of females are being left behind with another evolution, their sexuality portrayed within mysterious and suspenseful settings. Their power has, instead, morphed into that like the male hero, countering the darkness with their own personal action, not their lover or husband’s. Such are characters like Sookie Stackhouse of The Southern Vampire Mysteries of Charlene Harris, or Bella of Stephanie Myers’ Twilight Series.Shadow’s heroines, both black and white, reflect this positive power; and they do it by showing that fractures, even in character, are reparable when guilt is mixed with love and understanding in a cocktail of redemption. Shadow of The Conjurer goes further, building complex and positive portrayals of women and men of African descent, showcasing their strengths along with other sympathetic characters in Antebellum Alabama, believing in a gentleness that must have existed, at least in some, despite the slave culture.Not to sugarcoat the ugliness of slavery and its evil foundation; but even black historians agree that in rare occasions, blacks and whites partnered and loved in these most difficult conditions, often in similar ways that other outcasts such as Jews living in a Christian society did. That is, they hid their true beliefs because to do otherwise would be to invite destruction.So enjoy the story. Be patient as it unfolds and twines its story of good and evil, supernatural or logical, and spirituality versus belief in nothing and no one. Shadow of The Conjurer welcomes you. The story is worth its message of love and redemption.

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Clara Colby: The International Suffragist by John Holliday

Clara Colby: The International Suffragist by John Holliday

We may never know why three-year-old Clara Dorothy Bewick was left behind in England when her parents and three brothers departed for a new life in America. Her parents Thomas and Clara Bewick were migrating to America, and the family had been talking about little else in the months leading up to their departure. They were leaving on the sailing ship Olympus from Bristol, and little Clara was in tears when she found that she could not join them.  The year was 1849, and one possible reason why Clara was left behind could be that she showed symptoms of an infectious disease. If that were the case, then the most likely suspect would be cholera, for the country experienced a cholera epidemic that year. With all the family possessions either sold or packed for shipment aboard the Olympus, there was no option but to arrange for Clara to stay with her grandparents until she was well and arrange for her to make the journey later.
Although this was a painful experience for Clara, it may have been an event that helped to shape the smart and tireless woman that she became. Raised as the beloved only grandchild in London, she had a substantial emotional and intellectual foundation by the time she arrived at the Wisconsin frontier in 1855, which sustained her through a hectic and often stressful life. The advantage she achieved helped her become the valedictorian for the first class of women to graduate from the University of Wisconsin and become a contemporary of Susan B. Anthony. After teaching at the university, she married the dashing civil war veteran, Leonard Colby. This would prove to be a rare misstep as Colby was persistently unfaithful to her, duplicitous and dishonest.
Clara Colby was a dynamic speaker and compelling writer on women’s issues. Anthony called her the best writer in the women’s movement, a sentiment shared by Anthony’s famous colleague, Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Encouraged by Anthony, Clara published the first issue of the Woman’s Tribune in 1883, a newspaper that was in continuous publication for 26 years, becoming the nation’s leading woman’s suffrage publication. She served as the President of the Nebraska Woman Suffrage Association, and she was the corresponding secretary of the Federal Suffrage Association, among her many other offices. From 1888, Clara spent the first half of each year in Washington DC, attending suffrage conferences and lobbying Congress members. She was very friendly and had many friends among influential leaders in the nation’s capital, including, for example, Caroline Harrison, the first lady of the day.
By 1890, her husband had become General Leonard Colby of the Nebraska National Guard, when his troops served at the Battle of Wounded Knee. It was here that General Colby adopted the native-American baby girl, Zintka Lanuni, found under the body of her dead mother. Colby did so without discussing the situation with Clara and then left her to bring the child up, frequently without financial support. Clara’s response was to make a plan to bring her husband to Washington, so she lobbied her Washington friends and succeeded in getting her husband appointed as the United States Assistant Attorney-General.
Clara was always on the move across America, supporting state suffrage and lobbying state governments, and Leonard was just as busy in his new role. She tried to maintain a stable marriage, but her husband held a different view, often engaging in clandestine affairs, amid allegations of impropriety in business and public life. Clara’s further lobbying resulted in Leonard being appointed Brigadier-General in the United States Volunteers during the Spanish American war. Also, Clara became the first woman in the United States to receive a war correspondent pass. Holliday’s book reveals a secret conspiracy that Leonard became involved in during this conflict.
Eventually, a divorce was unavoidable, and as a result, many leading suffragists shunned Clara from then on, diminishing her legacy as a suffragist. Clara made four trips to Europe, attending the International Congress of Women (Amsterdam 1908, Stockholm 1911 and Budapest 1913) and the Universal Peace Congress in London in 1908 and The Hague in 1913. She also supported the suffragette cause in England, making speaking tours of England, Ireland, and Wales.
Back home, she campaigned throughout the country on behalf of the state suffrage organizations, helping to increase the number of states that supported women’s votes. By this time, she was living in Oregon, but she continued to spend several months each year in Washington, and the last big event of that winter was the hearing on the two suffrage bills, which came before the House Committee on March 27, 1916. As soon as these hearings were over, she left for Eugene, Oregon, where the climate would be more favorable. Unfortunately, her health did not improve, and the flu became pneumonia. Clara’s sister Mary, a medical doctor, drove up from her home in Palo Alto to care for her but soon decided to take her back to California to recoup. They arrived in Palo Alto on September 1, where Clara struggled to overcome her sickness. This fight for life was to be her last campaign, however, and she passed away on September 7, 1916.
The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of American women achieving the vote; after a suffrage campaign, which extended over 72 years. It took thousands of women to build the movement, which achieved ultimate success, but this is the story of one woman, whose contribution to woman suffrage is irrefutable.

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